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Mercedes Readies Electric Buses with Solid-State Batteries
Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit has won a contract to supply 56 electric buses, including 41 with next-generation solid-state batteries, for use in Wiesbaden, Germany.
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Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit has won a contract to supply 56 electric buses, including 41 with next-generation solid-state batteries, for use in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Deliveries of 15 eCitaro buses with current-generation lithium-ion batteries will start later this year. The remaining 41 buses with solid-states batteries will be shipped next year.
Solid-state batteries, which use glass rather than liquid electrolytes, have a higher energy density, which enables longer driving ranges between charges.
In the eCitaro buses, 12 lithium-ion battery packs will provide a total capacity of 292 kWh. The buses with the solid-state batteries will use seven packs that generate 441 kWh.
Mercedes estimates that the eCitaro with solid-state technology can meet 70% of daily bus routes requirements without recharging. The company also is developing a supplemental fuel cell system to further extend range.
The buses will be operated by ESWE Verkehrsgesellschaft in Wiesbaden. Mercedes with work with local partners to build a recharging infrastructure for the fleet.
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